Jerboas live in deserts or
semidesert areas and dig burrows that shelter them from
temperature fluctuations. Adapted for jumping, they have
elongated hind limbs. The three main foot bones are fused into a
single cannon bone for greater strength. The outer
toes are absent, having three toes on each hind foot. The jumping
ability allows them to escape from predators. Jerboas have tufts
of hair on the undersides of their hind feet to stop them
slipping on soft sand and which help kick sand backwards when
they burrow. The front feet are not used for movement and are
used for gathering food. Their long tails are used as a prop when
standing upright and as a balance when jumping.

Jerboas feed primarily on
seeds, but will feed on succulent plants and insect larvae in
underground galls: they do not drink water. Jerboas are nocturnal
and have large eyes.